French media: Trump insists: The US "needs" Greenland despite European opposition

AFP, Copenhagen, Tuesday, reported that on Monday, US President Trump insisted that the United States "needs" Greenland to ensure American security. Despite strong opposition from EU countries to any US attempts to acquire this Danish territory, Trump maintained a hard line.

AFP stated that "For national security, we need Greenland," Trump said during an event in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside Defense Secretary Austin.

"Look at Greenland's coastline, there are ships from other countries everywhere. For national security, we need it," Trump insisted, emphasizing that Greenlanders are "not protected" by Copenhagen militarily.

Before making these remarks, the US president announced the appointment of a special envoy for this vast Danish self-governing territory, and he had previously repeatedly threatened to annex the area.

This appointment triggered a strong reaction from Copenhagen and the EU, with the EU expressing "full support for Denmark" on Monday.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated in a statement that "national borders and sovereignty are based on international law."

The two leaders emphasized that "another country cannot be annexed, not even under the pretext of international security." They added that they expect the US to "respect our common territorial integrity."

Copenhagen has summoned the US ambassador. Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen said, "We have drawn very clear red lines."

He warned on Danish National Radio (DR): "As long as the Kingdom of Denmark still consists of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, we cannot accept anyone undermining our sovereignty."

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa also reiterated on the social media platform X: "Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law."

On Sunday, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy for Greenland.

Trump emphasized on his own social media platform Truth Social: "Jeff knows the importance of Greenland to our national security, and he will strongly defend our national interests."

After being elected, Trump had previously explained that the US "needs" Greenland for security reasons.

"It would be beneficial for Greenland"

Jeff Landry thanked Trump for granting him this mission on X, with the goal of "making Greenland part of the United States."

Earlier this year, he had praised the US' intention to annex Greenland. On January 10, he wrote: "We must ensure that Greenland joins the United States. It would be a great benefit for both it and us! Let's take action!"

Greenland, a large Arctic island with a population of 57,000, has repeatedly affirmed that it "will not sell" and wishes to decide its future independently.

A survey published by the Greenland newspaper Sermitsiaq in January showed that 85% of Greenlanders oppose future归属 to the US, while only 6% expressed support.

At the end of March, US Vice President Vance caused a storm when he planned to visit the area without an invitation.

In response to the anger from Greenland, Denmark, and all of Europe, he eventually shortened his itinerary, visiting only the northernmost Pituffik Air Force Base in the US. During his visit, he criticized Denmark for its so-called "inaction" on the Greenland issue.

At the end of August, Danish television revealed that at least three Americans associated with Trump had conducted influence operations on this polar territory.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852332093054025/

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